F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Verstappen barred from Nordschleife F1 run by Red Bull!

Max Verstappen was hoping to indulge in an F1 demo run on the Nürburgring's daunting Nordschleife next September, but Red Bull immediately rejected the Dutchman's request.

A special event entitled 'Red Bull Formula Nürburgring' that will take place next September, ahead of the famous 12-hour endurance race at the Ring, will see Sebastian Vettel and Daniel Ricciardo tackle the venue's legendary 'Green Hell' onboard a pair of Red Bull F1 machines from the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

Upon hearing of the special event, Verstappen asked if he could take part in the demo run. Unfortunately, the two-time world champion's request was nipped in the bud by Marko.

Read also: Vettel back in a Red Bull F1 saddle for Nordschleife run

"I wanted to do it, but I was not allowed by Helmut," said Verstappen, speaking ahead of this weekend's Canadian Grand Prix.

"He knew that I would try and go to the limits. I would have loved to do it."

Asked if he tried to convince Marko to let him join the Red Bull party at the Nordschleife, Verstappen admitted that he didn't try to force the issue.

"I didn't want to start unnecessary issues," he said. "I heard this thing was coming up, and Helmut was sitting at the table when it came up, and he said: 'No, no, no, you're not doing that!'"

©BMW

In 2007, BMW Sauber's Nick Heidfeld made history as the first driver in over thirty years to tackle the Nürburgring Nordschleife track in a contemporary Formula 1 car.

However, the current overall lap record around the Nordschleife is held by the Porsche 919 Hybrid EVO, with a 5:19.54 lap time set in 2018.

While Vettel and Ricciardo are likely to run at a leisurely pace around the famous north loop, Verstappen admitted that he would have been tempted to have a go at the track's lap record.

"I would have definitely given it a go," he said with a broad grin. "But you need not the demo tyres and some proper tyres, which is not allowed.

"It's also risky to drive there. It just depends on how you hit a barrier. But that's normally not the plan, of course. But hopefully one day I can do it."

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.